Woodbridge awarded $1,000,000

for Crows Mill Road improvements

Acting Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere today presented Assemblyman John Wisniewski and Woodbridge Mayor Frank Pelzman a check for $1 million in state aid for the reconstruction of Crows Mill Road in Woodbridge Township.

“Today’s grant represents not only an investment in our state’s local infrastructure, but it is also an example of direct property tax relief so that communities like Woodbridge can advance important projects without burdening local taxpayers,” said Lettiere. “When we can work together to advance ‘Fix it First’ projects at all levels of government, then our residents can reap the benefits of transportation improvements that do not contribute to sprawl and congestion.”

“Smart Growth is important to residents of every corner of our state,” said Assemblyman Wisniewski, who chairs the Assembly Transportation Committee. “It increases the accessibility of commercial property, thereby encouraging businesses to stay put instead of moving to outlying areas. By improving our existing infrastructure, we support commerce and local business and reduce sprawl. But this is much more than smart growth. This is textbook ‘Fix it First.’ I want to thank Commissioner Lettiere and the Department of Transportation for approving this much-needed funding.”

“I am pleased to join with my district partners in announcing this grant for Crows Mill Road,” said State Senator Joseph Vitale. “This funding will allow the businesses in this area to continue to thrive and remain a vital part of our economic community.”

“The Crows Mill Road project represents a vital Smart Growth initiative both for Woodbridge and our entire state. I thank Commissioner Lettiere for recognizing and funding these much needed improvements and for giving business the incentive to stay in Woodbridge,” said Assemblywoman Arline Friscia.

The project calls for Crows Mill Road to be improved to increase access to industrial properties along it. The roadway will be completely excavated and reconstructed in order to install new drainage, pavement, guardrail, and landscaping. New curbing and driving aprons to adjacent properties will also be built.

The project will be administered by Woodbridge Township. The current schedule calls for construction to start in late 2003 and take approximately six months to complete.

“The Department adheres to Governor McGreevey’s Smart Growth criteria, and the Crows Mill Road project is a good example of this,” Lettiere said. “We look forward to continuing to work with Woodbridge Township, Assemblyman Wisniewski and Mayor Pelzman to advance this project.”

The funding was allocated from the Transportation Trust Fund’s local aid program.